A TEENAGER killed in an avalanche in the Scottish Highlands was a "bright, happy man" who was keen on a career in the armed forces, a friend said today.

William Currie, 18, from the Penzance area of west Cornwall, was one of three who died after the avalanche in the Cairngorms on Thursday.

The incident also killed of RAF Squadron Leader Rimon Than, 33, who was based at RAF Valley, North Wales, and Flight Lieutenant Fran Capps, 32, originally from Dulverton, Somerset.

Tributes were paid today to former Truro College student Mr Currie, who has a brother, John.

A friend, who asked not to be named, said: "Will was a great kid, a bright, happy man.

"He loved the outdoors and wanted to follow a career in the armed forces.

"He was only young, it's a terrible, terrible tragedy."

Cornwall search and rescue team added their condolences. A statement said: "We are saddened to learn of the death in an avalanche of local climber and student William Currie who some team members had the privilege to teach."

Writing on Twitter, Tom Julier, from Plymouth, said: "RIP Will Currie! What a shock."

A family friend answering at Mr Currie's home on the outskirts of Penzance today declined to comment. He said the teenager's parents are in Scotland where they are likely to remain for at least the next few days.

The Chalamain Gap area of the Cairngorms where the tragic avalanche occurred

The avalanche struck as two groups of six climbers made their way up opposite sides of a gorge.

One group was part of a Glenmore Lodge-organised winter skills training course and the second was off-duty RAF personnel.

The three were airlifted from the Chalamain Gap area to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but died of their injuries.